Local GOP legislators face primary rivals from right

Wednesday

Feb 5, 2014 at 12:01 AMFeb 6, 2014 at 11:08 AM

A handful of Republican state legislators face primaries from their right flank, including Reps. Anne Gonzales of Westerville and Stephanie Kunze of Hilliard. Although neither legislative chamber is poised to switch from strong Republican control - the GOP benefits from massive money advantages and gerrymandered districts - some primary races could be interesting as candidates debate issues such as Common Core standards in schools and Medicaid expansion.

A handful of Republican state legislators face primaries from their right flank, including Reps. Anne Gonzales of Westerville and Stephanie Kunze of Hilliard.

Although neither legislative chamber is poised to switch from strong Republican control — the GOP benefits from massive money advantages and gerrymandered districts — some primary races could be interesting as candidates debate issues such as Common Core standards in schools and Medicaid expansion.

Gonzales, a two-term representative and former Westerville city councilwoman, is being challenged by Meta R. Hahn of Westerville, a tea party member. Kunze faces Columbus architect Patrick Manley.

Other GOP incumbents facing primary foes from their right include Sen. Shannon Jones, R-Springboro, best known for sponsoring Senate Bill 5, a bid to restrict the collective-bargaining rights of public employees, and Rep. Barbara Sears, R-Sylvania, the most-outspoken House Republican in favor of expanding Medicaid.

At the top of the ticket, Republican Gov. John Kasich would face several challengers this fall. Filing petitions to run were likely Democratic nominee Ed FitzGerald, Libertarian Charlie Earl of Bowling Green and Green Party candidate Dennis Spisak of Struthers, near Youngstown. Also filing near yesterday’s deadline was Democrat Larry Ealy of the Dayton area, but politicians there immediately questioned the credibility of his filing.

Mark Owens, chairman of the Montgomery County Democratic Party, said Ealy is “a perennial candidate” for offices in Dayton and “I don’t believe he has ever actually qualified for a ballot.” Ealy, who could not be reached for comment, would face FitzGerald in a May 6 primary.

Democratic Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune publicly considered running for governor but last week said he would not.

Kasich, FitzGerald and Ealy were required to collect 1,000 valid signatures of registered Ohio voters; Earl and Spisak had to get 500 as minor-party candidates.

Other Libertarians filed petitions to run for treasurer, attorney general, auditor and secretary of state.

Kasich’s running mate is Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, former state auditor. Attorney and abortion-rights activist Sharen Neuhardt is running with FitzGerald. Sherry L. Clark of Delaware County is Earl’s running mate. Suzanne Patzer of Columbus will run with Spisak. Ealy listed Ken Gray of Cincinnati as his running mate.